---
title: "Electrical Glossary: 139 Electrical Terms Defined"
description: "Plain-English definitions of 139 electrical terms, from GFCI and AFCI breakers to service drops and EV chargers, each with its source."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

# Electrical glossary

139 electrical terms in plain English, from breakers to EV chargers. Every number links to its source.

Search the glossary

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## A

[AFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/afci)

An AFCI is a breaker or outlet that detects dangerous arcing in wiring and shuts off the circuit before the arc can start a fire.

[Aluminum wiring](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/aluminum-wiring)

Aluminum wiring is older branch-circuit wiring used in some homes from the mid 1960s. The CPSC warns of overheating at its connections.

[Ampacity](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ampacity)

Ampacity is the most current, in amps, that a wire can carry continuously without getting too hot.

[Amperage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/amperage)

Amperage is the amount of electric current moving through a circuit, measured in amps. It sets how large breakers and wires must be.

[Arc fault](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/arc-fault)

An arc fault is an unintended spark across a break or damaged spot in wiring. It can reach thousands of degrees.

[Arcing](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/arcing)

Arcing is an electrical spark that jumps across a gap in a wire, connection or device and produces intense heat.

## B

[Backfeed](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/backfeed)

Backfeed is power flowing the wrong way, from a generator or other source back through house wiring and onto the utility lines.

[Ballast](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ballast)

A ballast is a device that starts a fluorescent or HID lamp and limits the current flowing through it.

[Bonding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/bonding)

Bonding joins metal parts so they stay at the same electrical level and can carry fault current safely.

[Breaker panel](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/breaker-panel)

A breaker panel, often called a breaker box, is the metal box that holds a home's circuit breakers and sends power out to each circuit.

[Brownout](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/brownout)

A brownout is a partial drop in voltage that is not a full outage, so lights dim and motor-driven devices work less well.

[Burning smell](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/burning-smell)

A burning smell near an outlet, switch, panel or appliance is a warning sign of overheating that needs prompt attention.

[Bus bar](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/bus-bar)

A bus bar is a solid metal strip inside a panel that carries power from the incoming service to the breakers.

[Buzzing outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/buzzing-outlet)

A buzzing outlet is a receptacle or switch that hums, crackles or sizzles, which can mean a loose connection or arcing.

## C

[Carbon monoxide detector](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/carbon-monoxide-detector)

A carbon monoxide detector senses CO gas and sounds an alarm before levels become dangerous, since people cannot see or smell the gas.

[Circuit breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/circuit-breaker)

A circuit breaker is a switch that opens a circuit by itself when current gets too high. It can be reset once the cause is fixed.

[Clamping voltage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/clamping-voltage)

Clamping voltage is the voltage level at which a surge protector starts to divert a surge. A lower number means it reacts sooner.

[Cloth-insulated wiring](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/cloth-insulated-wiring)

Cloth-insulated wiring is old building wire coated in rubber and wrapped in woven fabric, a covering that can dry out and crack with age.

[Code compliance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/code-compliance)

Code compliance means electrical work follows the electrical codes that the state and city have adopted.

[Color temperature](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/color-temperature)

Color temperature describes how warm (yellow) or cool (blue) white light looks, and it is measured in kelvin.

[Conduit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/conduit)

Conduit is a tube that holds and protects electrical wires. It can be metal or plastic and runs in walls, outdoors or underground.

[Copper wiring](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/copper-wiring)

Copper is the standard conductor in home wiring. It carries current well and avoids the connection problems seen with older aluminum branch wiring.

[CRI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/cri)

CRI, the color rendering index, rates how true colors look under a light source compared with an ideal or natural light.

[CSST](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/csst)

CSST is corrugated stainless steel tubing, a flexible gas line used inside many homes that can be damaged by lightning energy.

[CSST bonding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/csst-bonding)

CSST bonding is a wire connection that ties gas tubing to the home's electrical grounding system so lightning energy has a safe path.

## D

[DC fast charger](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/dc-fast-charger)

A DC fast charger sends direct current straight to the vehicle battery at high power, so it charges much faster than home Level 2 equipment.

[Dedicated circuit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/dedicated-circuit)

A dedicated circuit serves one appliance or device only, with its own breaker and wiring back to the panel.

[Demand load](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/demand-load)

Demand load is the expected peak power use of a building. It is lower than the sum of everything that could be plugged in.

[Dimmer switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/dimmer-switch)

A dimmer switch is a wall control that sets how bright a light is, instead of only turning it on and off.

[Dimming lights](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/dimming-lights)

Dimming lights get dimmer, often for a moment, when a large appliance starts or when a connection or supply problem lowers the voltage.

[Direct burial cable](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/direct-burial-cable)

Direct burial cable is wire rated to go in the ground without conduit, such as Type UF-B cable.

[Dual-function breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/dual-function-breaker)

A dual-function breaker combines arc-fault and ground-fault protection in one breaker, so a single device guards a circuit against both hazards.

## E

[Electrical inspection](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/electrical-inspection)

An electrical inspection is a city check of finished electrical work against the adopted code.

[Electrical panel](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/electrical-panel)

The electrical panel is the main distribution point in a building. It takes power from the utility service and divides it into protected circuits.

[Electrical permit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/electrical-permit)

An electrical permit is approval from a city's building department to do electrical work, usually followed by an inspection.

[Emergency lighting](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/emergency-lighting)

Emergency lighting is backup lighting that turns on when normal power fails so people can see the way out.

[EMT](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/emt)

EMT, or electrical metallic tubing, is lightweight steel conduit used to protect wiring, especially in commercial buildings.

[Equipment grounding conductor](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/equipment-grounding-conductor)

The equipment grounding conductor is the bare or green wire that links metal parts of equipment back to the panel to give a fault a safe path.

[ERCOT](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ercot)

ERCOT is the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the nonprofit that runs the grid serving most of the state.

[EVSE](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/evse)

EVSE stands for electric vehicle supply equipment, the charging equipment that safely delivers power from a circuit to an electric vehicle.

[Exit sign](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/exit-sign)

An exit sign is an illuminated sign that marks the way to an exit so people can find it in smoke or darkness.

## F

[Federal Pacific panel](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/federal-pacific-panel)

A Federal Pacific panel is an older electrical panel made by Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) that uses Stab-Lok breakers.

[Flickering lights](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/flickering-lights)

Flickering lights blink or pulse in brightness, which can come from a loose bulb or a wiring problem in the circuit.

[Fuse box](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/fuse-box)

A fuse box is an older electrical panel that protects each circuit with a fuse, which must be replaced after it blows, instead of a breaker that resets.

## G

[GFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/gfci)

A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) shuts off power when it senses current leaking to ground, which protects people from electric shock.

[Ground fault](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ground-fault)

A ground fault happens when current takes an unintended path to ground, such as through a metal box, a wire or a person.

[Ground rod](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ground-rod)

A ground rod is a metal rod driven into the soil that connects a building's electrical system to the earth.

[Grounding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding)

Grounding connects an electrical system and its metal parts to the earth, so fault current has a safe path and voltage stays limited.

[Grounding electrode](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding-electrode)

A grounding electrode is any object that makes a direct connection between the electrical system and the earth.

[Grounding electrode conductor](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding-electrode-conductor)

The grounding electrode conductor is the wire that runs from the panel's ground connection to the ground rod or other electrode.

## H

[Hardwired charger](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/hardwired-charger)

A hardwired charger connects directly to the circuit wiring with no plug and outlet, so the charger is fixed in place.

[Hardwired smoke alarm](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/hardwired-smoke-alarm)

A hardwired smoke alarm is powered by the home's electrical system and has a backup battery that keeps it working during an outage.

[HID lighting](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/hid-lighting)

HID lighting uses high intensity discharge lamps, such as metal halide and high pressure sodium, common in parking lots and large spaces.

[Hot outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/hot-outlet)

A hot outlet is a receptacle or cover plate that feels warm or hot to the touch, which can signal a loose connection or an overload.

[Hot wire](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/hot-wire)

A hot wire is a conductor that carries power from the source to a load. It is energized and can cause a severe shock.

## I

[Interconnected alarms](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/interconnected-alarms)

Interconnected alarms are linked smoke or CO alarms, by wire or radio signal, so that when one sounds, all of them sound.

## J

[J1772](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/j1772)

J1772 is the standard plug used on most North American electric vehicles for AC charging at Level 1 and Level 2.

[Joule rating](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/joule-rating)

A joule rating shows how much surge energy a surge protector can absorb before it fails. A higher number generally means more capacity.

[Journeyman electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/journeyman-electrician)

A journeyman electrician holds the Texas license that sits below master electrician, earned with supervised training hours and an exam.

[Junction box](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/junction-box)

A junction box is a covered enclosure where wires join or split. The cover keeps the connections protected.

## K

[Kilowatt-hour](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/kilowatt-hour)

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the energy used by 1,000 watts running for one hour. It is the unit on the electric bill.

[Knob and tube wiring](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/knob-and-tube-wiring)

Knob and tube wiring is an early wiring method found in very old homes. Single wires run through the air on ceramic supports.

## L

[LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led)

An LED, or light emitting diode, is a small solid-state light source that makes light efficiently when electric current passes through it.

[LED driver](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led-driver)

An LED driver is the power supply inside an LED lamp or fixture that gives the LEDs the steady, controlled current they need.

[Level 1 charger](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/level-1-charger)

A Level 1 charger charges an electric vehicle from a standard 120 volt household outlet, using the portable cord that comes with many cars.

[Level 2 charger](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/level-2-charger)

A Level 2 charger charges an electric vehicle from a 240 volt circuit, which is faster than Level 1 and the usual choice for home charging.

[Light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/light-pole)

A light pole is the tall post that holds parking lot or street fixtures, with wiring inside and a power feed to the fixture.

[Load calculation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/load-calculation)

A load calculation adds up the power a building's lights, outlets and appliances may draw, so the service and circuits can be sized correctly.

[Load center](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/load-center)

A load center is the residential name for a distribution panel that holds circuit breakers. Product listings and catalogs use this term.

[Load management](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/load-management)

Load management is a control system that limits or shifts power use so several loads, such as EV chargers, stay within the capacity of a circuit or panel.

[Lumen](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/lumen)

A lumen is the unit that measures how much visible light a bulb or fixture gives off, which tells you its brightness.

## M

[Main breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/main-breaker)

The main breaker is the large breaker that shuts off all power to the panel and the circuits it feeds.

[Master electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/master-electrician)

A master electrician holds the top individual electrician license in Texas, earned with years of supervised experience and an exam.

[Meter base](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/meter-base)

A meter base, also called a meter socket, is the weatherproof box on the outside wall that holds the utility meter.

## N

[NACS](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nacs)

NACS is the North American Charging Standard, a compact connector first developed by Tesla and now standardized as SAE J3400.

[NEC](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nec)

The NEC, or National Electrical Code, is the model rule book for safe electrical installation, published by NFPA and updated every three years.

[NEMA 14-50](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nema-14-50)

A NEMA 14-50 is a four-prong, 240 volt, 50 amp outlet, common for RVs, that some EV owners use to plug in a charger.

[NEMA 6-50](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nema-6-50)

A NEMA 6-50 is a three-prong, 240 volt, 50 amp outlet with no neutral, used for welders and by some plug-in EV chargers.

[Neutral](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/neutral)

The neutral is the conductor that carries current back to the panel to complete a circuit. It is intentionally grounded at the service.

[NFPA 70](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nfpa-70)

NFPA 70 is the official standard number of the National Electrical Code, which NFPA publishes and revises every three years.

[NFPA 70B](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nfpa-70b)

NFPA 70B is the standard for electrical equipment maintenance, covering planned upkeep of electrical systems in buildings and plants.

[NFPA 70E](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nfpa-70e)

NFPA 70E is the standard for electrical safety in the workplace, covering safe work practices around energized equipment.

[NM-B cable](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nm-b-cable)

NM-B is nonmetallic-sheathed cable: insulated wires inside a plastic jacket, widely used for wiring inside homes.

[Nuisance tripping](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nuisance-tripping)

Nuisance tripping is when a breaker shuts off a circuit again and again with no obvious fault, often tied to arcing, moisture or a device on the circuit.

## O

[Occupancy sensor](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/occupancy-sensor)

An occupancy sensor switches lights on when it detects people in a space and turns them off after a set time with no motion.

[Oncor](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/oncor)

Oncor is the regulated utility that owns and runs the poles, wires and meters that deliver power to much of North Texas.

[Outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/outlet)

In everyday talk an outlet is a wall socket. In code, an outlet is any point on the wiring where current is taken to power equipment.

[Overload](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/overload)

An overload is too much current for a circuit's wire or equipment rating. It heats the wire and can trip a breaker.

## P

[Panelboard](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/panelboard)

A panelboard is a distribution panel with buses and overcurrent devices, set in a cabinet on a wall. The term is common in commercial work.

[Photocell](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/photocell)

A photocell is a light sensor that turns exterior lights on at dusk and off at dawn.

[Pigtail](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/pigtail)

A pigtail is a short length of wire used to join one or more wires to a device or to extend a wire so it can reach a connection.

[Point-of-use surge protector](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/point-of-use-surge-protector)

A point-of-use surge protector is a plug-in strip or outlet that protects the devices connected to it. It is the last line of defense.

[Portable generator](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-generator)

A portable generator is a movable, engine-driven unit that makes temporary power for lights, tools and appliances, with carbon monoxide and backfeed risks.

[Power outage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/power-outage)

A power outage is a loss of electric service, caused either by a problem on the utility's lines or by a problem inside your own home.

[PVC conduit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/pvc-conduit)

PVC conduit is rigid plastic tubing that protects wire. It is used outdoors and underground because it does not rust.

## R

[Receptacle](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/receptacle)

A receptacle is the formal name for the socket in the wall that a plug fits into.

[Recessed lighting](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/recessed-lighting)

Recessed lighting, also called can lights or downlights, are fixtures set into the ceiling so that only the trim shows.

[Relamp](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/relamp)

To relamp is to replace the lamps (bulbs) in a fixture or building, either all at once on a schedule or one at a time as they fail.

[Retrofit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/retrofit)

A retrofit upgrades an existing fixture or lamp type, such as swapping older lighting for LED, without rebuilding the whole system.

[Romex](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/romex)

Romex is a brand name for NM-B cable, the plastic-jacketed cable used for most branch circuits inside homes.

## S

[Service drop](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-drop)

A service drop is the set of overhead wires that run from the utility's last pole to a building.

[Service entrance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-entrance)

The service entrance is where utility power enters a building, along with the conductors and equipment that bring it to the main panel.

[Service lateral](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-lateral)

A service lateral is the underground line, sometimes run in conduit above ground, that carries utility power to a building.

[Service mast](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-mast)

A service mast is the rigid pipe that rises above the roofline to hold the overhead service wires at a safe height.

[Service upgrade](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-upgrade)

A service upgrade raises the amount of power a building can draw from the utility, usually with a new panel, meter base and service wires.

[Short circuit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/short-circuit)

A short circuit is an unintended low-resistance path between conductors that sends a very large surge of current through the circuit.

[Smart switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/smart-switch)

A smart switch replaces a regular wall switch and adds wireless control, so lights respond to an app or a voice assistant.

[Smoke alarm](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/smoke-alarm)

A smoke alarm is a device that senses smoke and sounds a loud alarm so people in a home can get out.

[Splice](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/splice)

A splice is a joint where two or more wires are permanently joined so that current can pass from one to the other.

[Stab-Lok](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/stab-lok)

Stab-Lok is the brand name for the circuit breakers Federal Pacific Electric made for its residential panels.

[Standby generator](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/standby-generator)

A standby generator is a permanently installed generator that starts on its own or on command to power selected circuits during an outage.

[Subpanel](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/subpanel)

A subpanel is a smaller panel fed from the main panel. It adds circuits in a garage, shop or addition without a second utility service.

[Surge](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/surge)

A surge is a short spike in voltage above the normal level. It can damage or wear out electronics and appliances.

[Surge protective device](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/surge-protective-device)

A surge protective device (SPD) is the formal name for a surge protector. It diverts extra voltage away from connected equipment.

[Switch box](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/switch-box)

A switch box is the enclosure in the wall that holds a switch and the wire ends behind it.

[Switchgear](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/switchgear)

Switchgear is large commercial equipment that houses breakers, switches and relays used to control, protect and isolate power.

## T

[Tamper-resistant receptacle](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/tamper-resistant-receptacle)

A tamper-resistant receptacle has built-in shutters that block objects pushed into the slots. It protects children from shock.

[TDLR](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/tdlr)

TDLR is the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the state agency that licenses electricians and electrical contractors.

[Tenant finish-out](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/tenant-finish-out)

A tenant finish-out is the build-out of a leased commercial space, including walls, lighting, outlets and other work to suit the tenant.

[Thermal imaging](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/thermal-imaging)

Thermal imaging uses an infrared camera to find hot spots on electrical equipment, such as loose or overloaded connections.

[Three-phase power](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/three-phase-power)

Three-phase power uses three alternating currents offset in time, giving smoother power for large motors and commercial equipment.

[Three-prong outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/three-prong-outlet)

A three-prong outlet is a grounded receptacle with a round ground slot beside the two flat slots.

[Three-way switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/three-way-switch)

A three-way switch is one of a pair of switches that control the same light from two places, such as both ends of a hall.

[Transfer switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/transfer-switch)

A transfer switch moves your home's circuits between utility power and a generator, and keeps the two sources apart.

[Transformer](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/transformer)

A transformer is a device that changes electric voltage from one level to another, such as from the lines on the street to service voltage.

[Tripping](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/tripping)

Tripping is when a circuit breaker automatically switches off to stop current flow after an overload, short circuit or ground fault.

[Type 1 SPD](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/type-1-spd)

A Type 1 SPD installs before or at the main breaker panel, where it can stop outside surges from lightning or utility switching.

[Type 2 SPD](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/type-2-spd)

A Type 2 SPD installs on the load side of the main breaker, at the panel, to protect against internal surges and leftover surge energy.

## U

[Ungrounded outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ungrounded-outlet)

An ungrounded outlet is a two-slot outlet with no ground contact. It is common in older homes.

[USB outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/usb-outlet)

A USB outlet is a wall outlet with built-in USB ports, so phones and tablets can charge without a plug-in adapter.

## V

[Voltage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/voltage)

Voltage is the electrical pressure that pushes current through a circuit. U.S. homes are commonly served at 120/240 volts.

[Voltage drop](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/voltage-drop)

Voltage drop is the loss of voltage along a wire as current flows through it. It grows with longer runs, higher current and thinner wire.

## W

[Wattage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/wattage)

Wattage is how much power a device uses at one moment, measured in watts. One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.

[Weather-resistant receptacle](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/weather-resistant-receptacle)

A weather-resistant receptacle is an outlet made for damp or wet locations, such as patios, decks and pool areas.

[Weatherhead](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/weatherhead)

A weatherhead is the curved cap at the top of a service mast. It keeps rain out of the conduit where the service wires exit.

[Whole-house generator](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/whole-house-generator)

A whole-house generator is a permanently installed, engine-driven unit that powers part or all of a home's circuits when utility power fails.

[Whole-house surge protector](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/whole-house-surge-protector)

A whole-house surge protector is a surge protective device installed at the electrical panel to guard every circuit in the home.

[Wire gauge](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/wire-gauge)

Wire gauge is a number for wire thickness. In the American system, a smaller number means a thicker wire.

[Wire nut](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/wire-nut)

A wire nut is a twist-on connector with an insulated cap that holds two or more stripped wire ends together inside an electrical box.

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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